Electrochemical Synthesis of Carbon Quantum Dots

Carbon quantum dots (CDs) are small carbon nanostructures with excellent photoluminescence properties, together with low-toxicity, high biocompatibility, excellent dispersibility in water as well as organic solvents. Due to their characteristics, CDs have been studied for a plethora of applications as biosensors, luminescent probes for photodynamic and photothermal therapy, fluorescent inks and many more. Moreover, the possibility to obtain carbon dots from biomasses and/or organic waste has strongly promoted the interest in this class of carbon-based nanoparticles, having a promising impact in the view of circular economy and sustainable processes. Within this context, electrochemistry proved to be a green, practical, and efficient method for the synthesis of high-quality CDs, with the possibility to fine-tune their characteristics by changing operational parameters. This review outlines the principal and most recent advances in the electrochemical synthesis of CDs, focusing on the electrochemical set-up optimization.

Automated summary

Carbon quantum dots (CDs) are small carbon nanostructures that exhibit excellent photoluminescence properties and have low toxicity, high biocompatibility, and good dispersibility in water and organic solvents. They have been extensively investigated for various applications such as biosensors, luminescent probes, and fluorescent inks. The synthesis of high-quality CDs via electrochemistry has been shown to be a green, practical, and efficient approach, with the ability to fine-tune their characteristics. This review summarizes the recent advances in electrochemical synthesis of CDs, with a focus on optimizing the electrochemical set-up.